Knee osteoarthritis diagnosis, treatment and associated factors of progression: part II.

Diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis can be confirmed based on clinical and/or radiological features. The potential of a progressive disease can be prevented or decreased by earlier recognition and correction of associated factors. Obesity and alignment especially varus malalignment are recognized factors of a progressive disease. Both nonpharmalogical as well as pharmacological modalities of treatment are useful in managing the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Surgery should be considered only in patients who do not respond to medical therapy. The prevalence and risk factors of knee osteoarthritis have been described in the first part of this review. In this issue, the diagnosis progressive factors and management of knee osteoarthritis are discussed.